Appraisal

Nos. 6-8, Mercer Street, Jebsen House

Listed at grade II and closely matching nos. 3-5, Mercer Street (Maidstone House and Tonbridge House) directly opposite on the south-west side of the street, nos. 6-8, Mercer Street (Jebsen House) is a distinctive block of exceptionally well-designed artisan (social) housing and dates from ca. 1905.

Rising through basement and three storeys with a further storey within the roof-slope, they are described as ‘out of the ordinary run of artisans’ houses’ in the relevant volume of The Buildings of England. They lack the ‘Poor Law’ austerity of many London flats of that date, and are detailed with a baroque or Neo-Wren lushness. They are faced in glazed red brick and fine, rubbed red brick with painted Portland Stone dressings; deeply projecting white painted dentil-cornices and prominent brick chimneys. The access stairs have elaborate wrought-iron railings. The entrance doors have open, scroll pediments and are carved with the Mercers’ Company’s demi-Virgin heraldic device - the Mercers’ Maiden. Inscribed with its date and name, Jebsen House, after an historic Mercers’ Company dignitary.

The property is of particular, special architectural and historic interest and significance and contribute substantially to the character, appearance of the Covent Garden Conservation Area.

These buildings are well-maintained and no improvement is required. The white paintwork of the window joinery and smart, black-painted doors are the correct Edwardian treatment and should be maintained.